Allied Military Government issues
AMG stamps were issued for use throughout Italy in 1945. They are
frequently known as the "Sicily" issues since virtually all were sold and
used in Sicily. The stamps are
denominated in centesimi and lire.
Two types of plates were used. A variable plate number printed
the stamp in the color of the denomination. Three standard black
plates were used to print the country and currency: plate 44622 for
centesimi, plate 44621 for lira (singular), and plate 44620 for lire
(plural).
The stamps were printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in
Washington, DC. The plate number fonts and positioning are similar
to those used on the U.S. Documentary stamps of the same period. They are frequently collected as pairs or blocks, as care was not taken
during the print layout process to ensure that the plate number appeared on the selvage of
a single stamp.
Scott
1N1, 15 centesimi, dull orange plate number 44687 and
black plate number 44622
Scott
1N2, 25 centesimi, first printing in ochre, ochre plate number 44688 and black plate number 44622
Scott
1N2 var, 25 centesimi, second printing in pale citron, pale citron plate number 44688 and black plate number 44622
Scott
1N3, 30 centesimi, gray plate number 44460 and black plate number 44622
Scott
1N4, 50 centesimi, violet plate number 44467 and
black plate number 44622
Scott
1N4 var, 50 centesimi, double impression, black plate number 44622
Scott
1N5, 60 centesimi, yellow plate number 44462 and
black plate number 44622
Scott
1N5 var, 60 centesimi, yellow orange plate number 44462
Examples are also known in what is described as "reddish yellow."
Scott
1N6, 1 lira, light green plate number 44464 and black plate number 44621
This was the only use of black plate #44621.
Scott
1N7, 2 lire, salmon plate number 44463 and black plate number 44620
Scott
1N8, 5 lire, light blue plate number 44465 and black plate number 44620
Scott
1N9, 10 lire, orange brown on tan paper, plate number 44466
Scott
1N9 var, 10 lire, orange brown on white paper, black plate number 44620
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This page last updated June 11, 2021. |